E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Witches’ Sabbath.
The muster at night-time of witches and demons to concoct mischief. The witch first anointed her feet and shoulders with the fat of a murdered babe, then mounting a broomstick, distaff, or rake, made her exit by the chimney, and rode through the air to the place of rendezvous. The assembled witches feasted together, and concluded with a dance, in which they all turned their backs to each other.
